2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid has a Complaint Index of 63, ranking 4th worst out of 9 model years, with a Caution verdict. It has 6 complaints, all involving airbags, one recall, and one crash.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 63/100
- #4 of 9 Avalon Hybrid years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 6
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Airbags
- Best nearby year
- —
- no alternative with data
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 43.5
- 43 city / 43.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags6 (100%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy during a crash at 55 MPH despite a side-impact collision.
- Owners report the SRS warning light illuminating along with an audible chime after starting the vehicle.
- Multiple owners were notified of recall campaign 23V865000 for airbags but said replacement parts were not yet available.
- Owners stated Toyota exceeded a reasonable amount of time to complete the recall repair.
- Median mileage at failure for airbag-related complaints was 32,043 miles.
2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V865000Dec 20, 2023Airbags999,901 vehicles
Air bags:sensor:occupant classification
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.
2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 43 MPG
- Highway
- 43.5 MPG
- Combined
- 43.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $1,475
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other Avalon Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid reliable?
- NHTSA data shows a Complaint Index of 63, ranking it 4th worst among 9 Avalon Hybrid model years, so it carries a Caution verdict relative to other years. All 6 complaints filed involve the airbag system.
- Does the 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid have a recall?
- Yes. It is covered by recall campaign 23V865000 for an airbag sensor issue. The remedy is inspection and replacement of the sensor at no cost, but some owners reported parts were not available in time.
- What is the main problem area for the 2021 Avalon Hybrid?
- Airbags account for 100% of the 6 complaints filed with NHTSA for this model year, including one crash where airbags did not deploy.
- How does the 2021 Avalon Hybrid compare to other years?
- Its Complaint Index of 63 is lower than the 2013 model year's index of 100, but higher than 2016's index of 50, placing it 4th worst out of 9 years tracked.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid?
- EPA rates it at 43.5 MPG combined (43 city / 43.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,475.